Portsmouth man arrested in sting operation

A sting operation by the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office has resulted in the arrest of a man reportedly attempting to make contact with a 13 year old girl. Arrested was Phillip A Gammon age 42 of Rigrish Addition, Portsmouth. Gammon has been charged with one count of attempted sexual battery a felony of the fourth degree and importuning a felony of the fifth degree.

Scioto County Sheriff Marty V. Donini said his office was contacted on Oct. 11, 2015 by a parent who found some inappropriate messages from an adult male on her 13 year old daughter’s phone.

Donini said his office filed a report and started an investigation. During the investigation detectives were able to determine that this adult male was contacting the child through Facebook Messenger and that he wanted to meet with her. Donini said the messages became sexual in nature.

During the subsequent investigation a detective was able to take over the Facebook of the 13 year old girl and message back and forth with the suspect. The suspect messaged the child wanting her to meet him on Oct.26, 2015 at the Minford Park and ride between 3 p.m. and 3:30 pm, he reportedly told the child he had a gift for her and told her what type of vehicle he would be driving.

On Monday detectives were able to monitor that location and observe the suspect circle the parking lot several times before he pulled onto the lot at approximately 3 p.m. The suspect, Phillip Gammon, was arrested without incident. Detectives later served a search warrant at his residence.

Gammon was held in the Scioto County Jail on a $7,500 bond pending his appearance in Portsmouth Municipal Court on Tuesday.

Donini said more charges could be presented to the Scioto County grand jury at a later date.

He said anyone with information regarding the case should contact Detective Jodi Conkel at -740-351-1091. All calls will remain anonymous.